There was no advance warning but a hurricane knock of 132 by Andre Russell propelled the Sagicor West Indies High Performance Centre (HPC) to victory by 117 runs over Bangladesh “A” at Kensington Oval yesterday.
The aggressive all-rounder manhandled all of the Bangladesh “A” bowlers as he led HPC to an imposing 327 for 9 off their 50 overs.
It was not all plain sailing early on for the HPC who after winning the toss found themselves in trouble at one stage on 49 for 4 after 15 overs.
The early repair job was done by Leon Johnson with 67 (7 fours, 1 six) and wicketkeeper/batsman Chadwick Walton with 61 (5×4, 2×6) who were involved in a fifth-wicket partnership of 91 runs.
After their dismissals HPC slumped to 163 for 6, before Russell literally took over to plunder the Bangladesh “A” bowlers all over the Oval.
He struck the ball cleanly and powerfully to all parts of the ground much to the pleasure of the small but appreciative crowd. He brought up his 50 off 35 deliveries with four sixes and three fours and shared a seventh-wicket partnership of 47 with captain Carlos Brathwaite (20).
After Brathwaite’s dismissal, Russell went into another gear. He clouted sixes with consummate ease, reaching his century off just 47 balls with his second 50 coming off of just 12 deliveries.
So dominant was his knock that he shared an eighth-wicket partnership of 95 with offspinner Ashley Nurse whose contribution was 14.
When the innings closed, Russell had faced 56 balls, striking 13 mighty sixes and seven fours.
Pacer Shafiul Islam was the most successful bowler for Bangladesh “A” with 3 for 37 off his ten overs.
Set a target of 328 runs for victory, Bangladesh “A” tried valiantly to make a fight of it but ultimately found the target too stiff and folded for 210 off 41.2 overs.
Shuvagoto Hom was their top scorer with 51 (61 balls, five fours and a six) whilst captain Brathwaite with 3 for 23 and off spinner Nurse three for 45 were the most successful bowlers for the HPC.
The second match in the three-match one-day series will be played tomorrow at the Windward cricket Ground. Play starts at 9:30 am.
